France: Founded in 2000, Languedoc organic estate Domaine Virgile Joly goes from strength to strength

Source: drinksmediawire.com

OrganicPortal NewsRoom

Virgile Joly's first vintage from his own estate was in 2000; the early days of his adventure were chronicled in Patrick Moon's book Virgile's Vineyard. Over a decade later, Virgile's long-term commitment to organic winemaking on the exceptional terroir of Saint Saturnin, in the foothills of the Terrassses du Larzac, continues to bear fruit. Today, he has 15 hectares of vines which he farms organically, making six wines (Le Joly Blanc, Le Joly Rouge, Saturne blanc, Saturne rouge, Virgile blanc et Virgile rouge) and a Carthagène, representing some 80,000 bottles a year.

2011: recognition for Virgile Joly's premium wines SATURNE and VIRGILE

The press, wine critics and judges have received Virgile's wines most favourably: the year started with exceptional coverage for this young wine producer on Jancis Robinson's site, where an in-depth profile and detailed tasting notes of many of his wines were published, listing Virgile's wines among some of the best in Languedoc.

Harpers Wine & Spirits Review published no less than three articles featuring Virgile Joly in 2011, including one in which he was featured as VIP (Very Important Producer).

Throughout the year, Virgile's top level wines SATURNE and VIRGILE have garnered plaudits, including medals at the International Wine Challenge, the Decanter World Wine Awards, and the Concours Millésime Bio (organic wine competition), as well as favourable mentions in guides such as Hachette and Gilbert & Gaillard.

LE JOLY BLANC, new for 2012

Previewed at Millésime Bio in January 2012, Domaine Virgile Joly's new wine, Le Joly Blanc, was very favourably received; it will be available in April 2012. With its sister wine, Le Joly Rouge, it forms an easy-drinking pair of wines. Le Joly Blanc has notes of succulent peach and crisp, juicy white fruits; the aromatic complexity of Grenache Blanc is amplified by a touch of Roussanne.

Where to find Domaine Virgile Joly's wines

The wines of Domaine Virgile Joly can be tasted at the cellar door in Saint Saturnin, where visitors are always warmly welcomed (the domaine organises a programme of events throughout the year where its wines can be enjoyed), but they are also widely sold overseas. The can be found gracing the tables of fine dining establishments, including the restaurants of Matthieu de Lauzun (Gignac) and Guy Savoy (Paris).

Virgile Joly's know-how

Thirty-nine year-old Virgile Joly embodies a new generation of wine growers with a penchant for elegance rather than “fruit up-front” wines. For the past eleven years, he has sought the quintessential qualities of his wines deep in the local soils of Saint Saturnin de Lucian, in Languedoc’s Terrasses du Larzac cru area. His wines combine his attachment to the unique characteristics of the local terroir with his subtle skills as a winemaker and a total commitment to respecting nature.

Virgile makes complex wines with a wide range of aromas that express the typicity of the grape varieties: the depth of Grenache, the voluptuousness of Syrah, the freshness of Cinsault and the elegance of Carignan, while his white wines offer a range of styles and flavours that illustrate the many different faces of Grenache Blanc.

Facts and figures

15-hectare estate planted to Carignan, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne on vineyard sites in Jonquières, Arboras, Saint Guiraud and Saint-Saturnin. A new winery was built in 2009 (300m2). Average production : 80,000 bottles. 50% of sales to export markets (Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, Holland, Luxembourg, Japan, China, Canada and Brazil). Certified as an organic grower by Ecocert.

From vineyard to winery

Organic wine production, verging on biodynamic (sustainable practices using no weed killers or synthetic chemicals). Clay-limestone soil. Average yields : 30 hl/ha. Hand harvesting. Destemming. Long vatting period extending up to six weeks. Manual and pneumatic press. Traditional wine making methods. Tank and oak ageing depending on the wine. Consumer-friendly, authentic wines in the tradition of the Coteaux du Languedoc-Saint Saturnin appellation.

http://www.domainevirgilejoly.com

Press Contact

Louise Hurren This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it +33 (0)6 17 66 02 53

Tip: OrganicPortal France - Biologiques Vins

OrganicPortal NewsRoom

21.02.2012

TOP 3 most read news:

Should you buy organic? 12 most contaminated foods
Unilever's hair care brand Timotei is introducing a certified organic range
Drug-Resistant Bugs Found in Antibiotic-Free Organic Meat

Besuchen Sie OrganicPortal Newsroom Deutschland
NEW - Organic - Conferences - Events - Fairs